Methods of inhibiting imperfect tissue repair

ABSTRACT

A method of inhibiting imperfect tissue repair or a physiological condition due at least in part thereto comprising administering to a human in need thereof an effective amount of a compound having the formula ##STR1## wherein R 1  and R 3  are independently hydrogen, --CH 3 , ##STR2## wherein Ar is optionally substituted phenyl; R 2  is selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidine, hexamethyleneamino, and piperidino; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of solvate thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has long been known that over the course of an individual's life,one's tissues and organs are subjected to numerous assaults which cancompromise their normal function. One of the most important attributesof tissues and organs is their ability to repair damage inflicted on itin order to maintain normal homeostasis. In many circumstances, thisrepair function is complete and normal function is restored withoutresulting sequelae. This is often the case when the insult is acute andsomewhat mild in nature. However, in other cases, the attempt of aspecific tissue to repair the damage inflicted results in eitherdecreased function of the affected tissue and/or an induction of adetrimental effect on another tissue. In acute injury, the imperfectrepair leading to a small decrease in tissue function may go unnoticedor be of little consequence, due to the reserve capacity of that tissueto maintain its proper function. In the case of repeated, acute injury,often seen when the injury is caused by external, environmental factors,the small incremental loss of tissue function may be additive. Thus,repeated, acute injury may result in a chronic condition and lead toultimate failure of the affected tissue or organ. Such repeated, acuteinjury of various organs are seen with alcohol damage to the liver,infections of the pulmonary tract, exposure to toxins from theenvironment on the liver, kidney, and pulmonary tract, and the toxiceffect of certain drugs, e.g., oncolytic agents, antibiotics,anti-arthritis agents, etc.

In addition to acute and repeated-acute injury, there are manyconditions which can be called truly chronic. These conditions may bedefined where the injury inflicted on a particular tissue or organ iscontinuous over a long period of time. Often, the source of chronicinjury originates from a condition within the body affecting particularorgans and tissues, which may or may not have been directly involved inthe originating pathology. This induction of one tissue's pathology intoan other tissue's function gives rise to the formation of entiresyndromes of various pathologies which are often seen in chronicdiseases. Imperfect or inappropriate repair attempts by affected tissuesor organs in chronic pathologies may be similar to that seen with acuterepair attempts or may be different; however, the results tend to besimilar in that there is incremental loss of function which leads toeventual complete or partial failure.

Two examples of chronic conditions which could lead to multi-organpathologies in which imperfect or inappropriate tissue repair iscontributory to eventual organ failure are diabetes mellitus and autoimmune diseases, e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoidarthritis, etc. Chronic pathologies may often be more insidious and lesscontrollable in nature than some of the pathologies associated withacute injury, in that they often are undetected prior to organ failureand often result from originating insults which are poorly understood orwhich may result at least in part due to a genetic predisposition.

As mentioned before, many pathologies resulting from either acute orchronic insult and subsequent imperfect, ineffective, or inappropriaterepair by tissues or organs, are associated with syndromes, i.e.,pathologies of many different organs with multiple sequelae. Thus asingle causative event can trigger a cascade of events in various bodysystems. For example, patients suffering from SLE may exhibitpathologies in the kidney, vasculature, lungs, and liver, largely due toone underlying cause (immune complex deposition).

The nature of the imperfect repair is diverse in different tissues andorgans and not always well understood. A definition of imperfect,ineffective, or inappropriate repair of damaged tissues or organs isthat repair which leads to a loss of normal function of that tissue ororgan. Sometimes, this imperfect repair leads to small (focal) lesionswhich can be compensated by surrounding healthy tissue, thus the tissuemay overall function normally in an overall sense. However, if theinjuries are repeated or chronic, these incremental decreases infunction inexorably lead to total failure and catastrophic results.

Some of the most common examples of imperfect repair seen in manydiverse tissues and organs are an increase in fibroid deposition and aproliferation of auxiliary cells at the site of injury. Initially theinjury may cause a break in a continuous, fluid carrying system such asblood vessels, arteries, nephron tubules, or air passages. The cause ofthis break may be mechanical or the loss of normal, interfacing cells ordestruction of matrix which forms the system. Whatever the cause, theattempt by the body to repair this break often takes the form of quicklycovering the break physically with a wall of cells or matrix components.This physical covering of the break, while temporarily repairing theleakage, does not restore the normal function of the system in thataffected area. The repair at the site of the injury usually lacks thebiological properties of the original tissue, e.g., the loss ofdiscriminatory filtration properties in the kidney, the loss ofstructural integrity in arteries and vessels, a loss of permeability inthe airways of the lung, etc. Microscopic examinations of theseimperfect repair sites often reveal the deposition of fibrin, collagen,and other molecules which lack the biological and/or physical propertiesof the original matrix which it has replaced. Similarly, there is oftena proliferation of auxiliary cells (sometimes referred to as connectivetissue cells) which produce more non-functioning, fibroid matrix cells.Lastly, there is often a proliferation of the normal and functionalcells of the particular tissue; however, the proliferation, whilebeneficial in number, may be ineffective in total function due to thedisruption of critical architecture. Thus, the overall loss of eitherchemically or biologically important matrix, loss of functional cells byreplacement of repair cells, or a loss of critical architecture offunctioning cells leads to the failure of the tissue or organ to performits homeostatic function.

Additionally, there are often inappropriate responses to injury andrepair. Prime examples are an immune-inflammatory or inflammatoryresponses at the site of injury. Although these responses are beneficialand critical to protect the body from many insults such as bacteria,viruses, or external pathogens, or are beneficial in removing dead ormalfunctioning cells or matrix in normal circumstances, these responsescan be inappropriately triggered or become out of control at repairsites. In some cases, an inappropriate response of certain cells may becausal to further damage as well as being detrimental to the repair. Forexample, in auto-immune diseases, immune diseases, immune complexdeposition in various tissues and organs may cause local inflammationand damage, triggering a repair response and simultaneously causing therepair to be imperfect or ineffective.

A method of inhibiting imperfect tissue repair and physiological orpathological conditions caused at least in part thereby would bebeneficical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides methods for inhibiting imperfect tissue repaircomprising administering to a human in need thereof an effective amountof a compound of formula I ##STR3## wherein R¹ and R³ are independentlyhydrogen, --CH₃, ##STR4## wherein Ar is optionally substituted phenyl;R² is selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidino,hexamethyleneimino, and piperidino; and pharmaceutically acceptablesalts and solvates thereof.

Raloxifene, (the hydrochloride salt of a compound of formula 1, whereinR¹ and R³ are hydrogen, and R² is 1-piperidinyl), and selected analogsare useful in the treatment of the syndromes associated with theimperfect, ineffective, or inappropriate repair of body tissues ororgans resulting from acute, repeated acute, or chronic injury and arethe subject of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The current invention concerns the discovery that a select group of2-phenyl-3-aroylbenzothiophenes (benzothiophenes), those of formula I,are useful for inhibiting imperfect tissue repair. The methods oftreatment provided by this invention are practiced by administering to ahuman in need thereof a dose of a compound of formula I or apharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, that is effectiveto inhibit imperfect tissue repair.

The term "inhibit" is defined to include its generally accepted meaningwhich includes preventing, prohibiting, restraining, and slowing,stopping or reversing progression, or severity, and holding in checkand/or treating existing characteristics. As such, the present methodincludes both medical therapeutic and/or prophylactic administrations,as appropriate.

The term "imperfect tissue repair" includes ineffective, inappropriateor inadequate tissue repair due to, at least in part, an insult to thetissue. The insult may be acute, repeated-acute or chronic, and includesinappropriate immune-inflammatory response, and results in loss ofnormal function of the tissue or organ.

Physiological conditions caused by or associated with imperfect tissuerepair include those conditions which are due, at least in part, to theimperfect repair and therefor can be said to be a symptom of theimperfect tissue repair.

Generally, the compound is formulated with common excipients, diluentsor carriers, and compressed into tablets, or formulated as elixirs orsolutions for convenient oral administration, or administered by theintramuscular or intravenous routes. The compounds can be administeredtransdermally, and may be formulated as sustained release dosage formsand the like.

The compounds used in the methods of the current invention can be madeaccording to established procedures, such as those detailed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,133,814, 4,418,068, and 4,380,635 all of which are incorporatedby reference herein. In general, the process starts with abenzo[b]thiophene having a 6-hydroxyl group and a 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)group. The starting compound is protected, alkylated or acylated, anddeprotected to form the formula I compounds. Examples of the preparationof such compounds are provided in the U.S. patents discussed above.Optionally substituted phenyl includes phenyl and phenyl substitutedonce or twice with C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, chloro,fluoro, or tri(chloro or fluoro)methyl.

The compounds used in the methods of this invention formpharmaceutically acceptable acid and base addition salts with a widevariety of organic and inorganic acids and bases and include thephysiologically acceptable salts which are often used in pharmaceuticalchemistry. Such salts are also part of this invention. Typical inorganicacids used to form such salts include hydrochloric, hydrobromic,hydroiodic, nitric, sulfuric, phosphoric, hypophosphoric and the like.Salts derived from organic acids, such as aliphatic mono anddicarboxylic acids, phenyl substituted alkanoic acids, hydroxyalkanoicand hydroxyalkandioic acids, aromatic acids, aliphatic and aromaticsulfonic acids, may also be used. Such pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthus include acetate, phenylacetate, trifluoroacetate, acrylate,ascorbate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate, dinitrobenzoate, hydroxybenzoate,methoxybenzoate, methylbenzoate, o-acetoxybenzoate,naphthalene-2-benzoate, bromide, isobutyrate, phenylbutyrate,β-hydroxybutyrate, butyne-1,4-dioate, hexyne-1,4-dioate, caprate,caprylate, chloride, cinnamate, citrate, formate, fumarate, glycollate,heptanoate, hippurate, lactate, malate, maleate, hydroxymaleate,malonate, mandelate, mesylate, nicotinate, isonicotinate, nitrate,oxalate, phthalate, teraphthalate, phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate,dihydrogenphosphate, metaphosphate, pyrophosphate, propiolate,propionate, phenylpropionate, salicylate, sebacate, succinate, suberate,sulfate, bisulfate, pyrosulfate, sulfite, bisulfite, sulfonate,benzene-sulfonate, p-bromophenylsulfonate, chlorobenzenesulfonate,ethanesulfonate, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, methanesulfonate,naphthalene-1-sulfonate, naphthalene-2-sulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate,xylenesulfonate, tartarate, and the like. A preferred salt is thehydrochloride salt.

The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are typically formedby reacting a compound of formula I with an equimolar or excess amountof acid. The reactants are generally combined in a mutual solvent suchas diethyl ether or benzene. The salt normally precipitates out ofsolution within about one hour to 10 days and can be isolated byfiltration or the solvent can be stripped off by conventional means.

Bases commonly used for formation of salts include ammonium hydroxideand alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, carbonates, as well asaliphatic and primary, secondary and tertiary amines, aliphaticdiamines. Bases especially useful in the preparation of addition saltsinclude ammonium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, methylamine,diethylamine, ethylene diamine and cyclohexylamine.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts generally have enhanced solubilitycharacteristics compared to the compound from which they are derived,and thus are often more amenable to formulation as liquids or emulsions.

Pharmaceutical formulations can be prepared by procedures known in theart. For example, the compounds can be formulated with commonexcipients, diluents, or carriers, and formed into tablets, capsules,suspensions, powders, and the like. Examples of excipients, diluents,and carriers that are suitable for such formulations include thefollowing: fillers and extenders such as starch, sugars, mannitol, andsilicic derivatives; binding agents such as carboxymethyl cellulose andother cellulose derivatives, alginates, gelatin, and polyvinylpyrrolidone; moisturizing agents such as glycerol; disintegrating agentssuch as calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate; agents for retardingdissolution such as paraffin; resorption accelerators such as quaternaryammonium compounds; surface active agents such as cetyl alcohol,glycerol monostearate; adsorptive carriers such as kaolin and bentonite;and lubricants such as talc, calcium and magnesium stearate, and solidpolyethyl glycols.

The compounds can also be formulated as elixirs or solutions forconvenient oral administration or as solutions appropriate forparenteral administration, for instance by intramuscular, subcutaneousor intravenous routes. Additionally, the compounds are well suited toformulation as sustained release dosage forms and the like. Theformulations can be so constituted that they release the activeingredient only or preferably in a particular part of the intestinaltract, possibly over a period of time. The coatings, envelopes, andprotective matrices may be made, for example, from polymeric substancesor waxes.

The particular dosage of a compound of formula I required to inhibitimperfect tissue repair or physiological conditions due at least in partthereby, according to this invention, will depend upon the severity ofthe condition, the route of administration, and related factors thatwill be decided by the attending physician. Generally, accepted andeffective daily doses will be from about 0.1 to about 1000 mg/day, andmore typically from about 50 to about 600 mg/day. Such dosages will beadministered to a subject in need of treatment from once to about threetimes each day, or more often as needed.

It is usually preferred to administer a compound of formula I in theform of an acid addition salt, as is customary in the administration ofpharmaceuticals bearing a basic group, such as the piperidino ring. Itis also advantageous to administer such a compound by the oral route.For such purposes the following oral dosage forms are available.

Formulations

In the formulations which follow, "active ingredient" means a compoundof formula I.

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 1: Gelatin Capsules                                               Hard gelatin capsules are prepared using the following:                       Ingredient        Quantity (mg/capsule)                                       ______________________________________                                        Active ingredient 0.1-1000                                                    Starch, NF        0-650                                                       Starch flowable powder                                                                          0-650                                                       Silicone fluid 350 centistokes                                                                  0-15                                                        ______________________________________                                    

The ingredients are blended, passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve,and filled into hard gelatin capsules.

Examples of specific capsule formulations of raloxifene that have beenmade include those shown below:

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 2: Raloxifene capsule                                             Ingredient        Quantity (mg/capsule)                                       ______________________________________                                        Raloxifene        1                                                           Starch, NF        112                                                         Starch flowable powder                                                                          225.3                                                       Silicone fluid 350 centistokes                                                                  1.7                                                         ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 3: Raloxifene capsule                                             Ingredient        Quantity (mg/capsule)                                       ______________________________________                                        Raloxifene        5                                                           Starch, NF        108                                                         Starch flowable powder                                                                          225.3                                                       Silicone fluid 350 centistokes                                                                  1.7                                                         ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 4: Raloxifene capsule                                             Ingredient        Quantity (mg/capsule)                                       ______________________________________                                        Raloxifene        10                                                          Starch, NF        103                                                         Starch flowable powder                                                                          225.3                                                       Silicone fluid 350 centistokes                                                                  1.7                                                         ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 5: Raloxifene capsule                                             Ingredient        Quantity (mg/capsule)                                       ______________________________________                                        Raloxifene        50                                                          Starch, NF        150                                                         Starch flowable powder                                                                          397                                                         Silicone fluid 350 centistokes                                                                  3.0                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The specific formulations above may be changed in compliance with thereasonable variations provided.

A tablet formulation is prepared using the ingredients below:

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 6: Tablets                                                        Ingredient       Quantity (mg/tablet)                                         ______________________________________                                        Active ingredient                                                                              0.1-1000                                                     Cellulose, microcrystalline                                                                    0-650                                                        Silicon dioxide, fumed                                                                         0-650                                                        Stearate acid    0-15                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The components are blended and compressed to form tablets.

Alternatively, tablets each containing 0.1-1000 mg of active ingredientare made up as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 7: Tablets                                                        Ingredient          Quantity (mg/tablet)                                      ______________________________________                                        Active ingredient   0.1-1000                                                  Starch              45                                                        Cellulose, microcrystalline                                                                       35                                                        Polyvinylpyrrolidone                                                                              4                                                         (as 10% solution in water)                                                    Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose                                                                    4.5                                                       Magnesium stearate  0.5                                                       Talc                1                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The active ingredient, starch, and cellulose are passed through a No. 45mesh U.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly. The solution ofpolyvinylpyrrolidone is mixed with the resultant powders which are thenpassed through a No. 14 mesh U.S. sieve. The granules so produced aredried at 50°-60° C. and passed through a No. 18 mesh U.S. sieve. Thesodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, and talc, previouslypassed through a No. 60 U.S. sieve, are then added to the granuleswhich, after mixing, are compressed on a tablet machine to yieldtablets.

Suspensions each containing 0.1-1000 mg of medicament per 5 mL dose aremade as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 8: Suspensions                                                    Ingredient          Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                        ______________________________________                                        Active ingredient   0.1-1000   mg                                             Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose                                                                    50         mg                                             Syrup               1.25       mg                                             Benzoic acid solution                                                                             0.10       mL                                             Falvor              q.v.                                                      Color               q.v.                                                      Purified water to   5          mL                                             ______________________________________                                    

The medicament is passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed withthe sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and syrup to form a smooth paste. Thebenzoic acid solution, flavor, and color are diluted with some of thewater and added, with stirring. Sufficient water is then added toproduce the required volume.

For topical administration, the compounds may be formulated as is knownin the art for direct application to an area. Conventional forms forthis purpose include ointments, lotions, pastes, jellies, sprays, andaerosols. The percent by weight of a compound of the invention presentin a topical formulation will depend on various factors, but generallywill be from 0.5% to 95% of the total weight of the formulation, andtypically 1-25% by weight.

The compositions can take the form of an aqueous or anhydrous solutionor dispersion, or alternatively the form of an emulsion or suspension.

These compositions can contain pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles andadjuvants which are well known in the prior art. It is possible, forexample, to prepare solutions using one or more organic solvent(s) thatis/are acceptable from the physiological standpoint, chosen, in additionto water, from solvents such as acetone, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol,glycol ethers such as the products sold under the name "Dowanol",polyglycols and polyethylene glycols, C₁ -C₄ alkyl esters of short-chainacids, preferably ethyl or isopropyl lactate, fatty acid triglyceridessuch as the products marketed under the name "Miglyol", isopropylmyristate, animal, mineral and vegetable oils and polysiloxanes.

The compositions according to the invention can also contain thickeningagents such as cellulose and/or cellulose derivatives. They can alsocontain gums such as xanthan, guar or carob gum or gum arabic, oralternatively polyethylene glycols, bentones and montmorillonites, andthe like.

It is possible to add, if necessary, an adjuvant chosen fromantioxidants, surfactants, other preservatives, film-forming,keratolytic or comedolytic agents, perfumes and colourings. Also, otheractive ingredients may be added, whether for the conditions described orsome other condition.

For example, among antioxidants, t-butylhydroquinone, butylatedhydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene and α-tocophrol and itsderivatives may be mentioned. The galenical forms chiefly conditionedfor topical application take the form of creams, milks, gels,dispersions or microemulsions, lotions thickened to a greater or lesserextent, impregnated pads, ointments or sticks, or alternatively the formof aerosol formulations in spray or foam form or alternatively in theform of a cake of soap.

The following topical compositions are prepared:

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 9                                                                 Ingredient         Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                         ______________________________________                                        Hydroxypropylcellulose                                                                           1.5         g                                              Active ingredient  1.5-30      g                                              Isopropanol qs     100         g                                              ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 10                                                                Ingredient         Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                         ______________________________________                                        Hydroxypropylcellulose                                                                           1.5         g                                              Ethyl lactate      15.0        g                                              Active ingredient  1.5-30      g                                              Isopropanol qs     100         g                                              ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 11                                                                Ingredient         Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                         ______________________________________                                        Hydroxypropylcellulose                                                                           1.0         g                                              Butylated hydroxytoluene                                                                         0.02        g                                              Active ingredient  1.5-25      g                                              Ethanol qs         100         g                                              ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 12                                                                Ingredient         Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                         ______________________________________                                        Hydroxypropylcellulose                                                                           1.5         g                                              Butylated hydroxytoluene                                                                         0.01        g                                              C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 fatty acid triglycerides                                                       10.0        g                                              Active ingredient  1.5-30      g                                              Isopropanol qs     100         g                                              ______________________________________                                    

Formulations 9-12 take the form of gels.

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 13                                                                Ingredient         Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                         ______________________________________                                        Isopropanol        46.0        g                                              Active ingredient  1.0-15      g                                              C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 fatty acid triglycerides                                                       49.0        g                                              ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 14                                                                Ingredient         Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                         ______________________________________                                        Ethanol            69.0        g                                              Ethyl lactate      10.0        g                                              Active ingredient  1.5-20      g                                              C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 fatty acid triglycerides                                                       30.0        g                                              ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 15                                                                Ingredient         Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                         ______________________________________                                        Isopropanol        47.0        g                                              Acetone            10.0        g                                              Ethyl lactate      10.0        g                                              Active ingredient  1-15        g                                              C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 fatty acid triglycerides                                                       30.0        g                                              ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 16                                                                Ingredient         Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                         ______________________________________                                        Ethanol            95.08       g                                              Butylated hydroxytoluene                                                                         0.02        g                                              Active ingredient  1.5-2.5     g                                              ______________________________________                                    

Formulations 13, 14, 15, and 16 take the form of lotions.

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 17                                                                Ingredient       Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                           ______________________________________                                        White vaseline   50.0        g                                                Liquid paraffin  15.0        g                                                Refined paraffin wax                                                                           32.0        g                                                Active ingredient                                                                              1-20        g                                                ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        Formulation 18                                                                Ingredient       Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                           ______________________________________                                        White vaseline   50.0        g                                                Liquid paraffin  13.0        g                                                Refined paraffin wax                                                                           32.0        g                                                Active ingredient                                                                              1-20        g                                                ______________________________________                                    

Formulations 17 and 18 take the form of sticks.

Illustrations of the use of this invention will focus on conditions andpathologies effecting kidney, liver, vascular, and pulmonary function;however, this invention is in no way limited to these indications. Inmany cases due to the observation of an increase in fibrous matrix, manyconditions are referred to in the art as fibrosis or fibrotic states,and this invention is not limited solely to pathologies or physiologicalconditions so named.

I. PATHOLOGIES OF THE KIDNEY

A. NEPHROTIC SYNDROME (NS)

The most general, clinical characteristics seen with patients sufferingfrom NS are: albuminuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema.These abnormal clinical findings are the direct or indirect result ofabnormal leakage of serum proteins into the urine and subsequent loss byexcretion (proteinuria). Simplisticly this leakage and loss of serumproteins can be called a loss of the glomerular appartratus toselectively filter elements of the serum for excretion in urine;however, the actual mechanisms of this loss in filtration selectivityare diverse and complicated. These pathologies by which filtrationfailure occur are listed below and are connected with imperfect repairof damage inflicted, primarily on the epithelium of the glomerularapparatus.

The sequelae resulting from the loss of various serum proteins arenumerous and serious. They are examples of the induction of pathologyinto other organs and tissues by an apparently unrelated failure in thekidney.

One of the major proteins lost in NS is albumin. The loss of albumin inthe serum leads to a decrease in plasma oncotic pressure and has anegative impact on the Starling forces acting across the peripheralcapillaries. The decrease in oncotic pressure and the imbalance of theStarling forces causes water to flow from the circulation into theinterstitial tissues, especially in areas of low tissue pressure. Thisbuildup of water in these tissues leads to an edematous state, causingdecreased efficiency and/or failure of that tissue to function.Additionally, due to the lower effective volume of the plasma, therennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated leading to retentionof salt and water, thus perpetuating the edematous state. Common sitesaffected by edema are the lungs and extremities. Edema is oftenassociated with certain types of cardiovascular and pulmonaryinsufficiency and collapse. Current therapy for the treatment of edemaof this origin are inadequate, and they include furosemide, ethacrynicacid and other loop diuretics and administration of salt-poor albumin.These treatments run the risk of causing acute renal failure or severehypotension.

Another major sequelae of albumin loss is the inappropriate response ofthe liver to boast levels of LDL and cholesterol to compensate. Thiselevation of LDL and cholesterol can lead to an increase inatherosclerosis and other vascular diseases. Treatment with conventionallipid lowering agents for this aspect of NS is often not satisfactorydue the compromise of renal function and subsequent toxicity of thetherapy.

The loss of other serum proteins has other associated pathologies. Forexample, the loss of major quantities of transferrin can lead to certaintypes of anemia; the loss metal binding proteins leads to metabolicabnormalities; the loss of IgG leads to an increase in susceptibility toinfectious agents; the loss of T4 leads to metabolic abnormalities; lossof cholecaciferol-binding protein leads to vitamin D deficiency,secondary hyperthyroidism, bone disease, and be contributory tohypocalcemia and hypocalciuria.

Another serious pathology associated with protein loss is thrombosis.The greater loss of antithrombin III relative to the pro-coagulatingproteins may lead to a hypercoagulable state. Thrombosis and blockage ofthe vasculature to critical organs, especially the heart, lungs andkidney, are most serious.

Currently, there are numerous treatments for many of these conditionswith various degrees of effectiveness; however, the situation can befurther complicated by the fact that many useful drugs are carried byalbumin in the circulation, thus reduction of albumin in NS changes thepharmacokinetics of these drugs making it difficult to manage thepathologies. Clearly, when dealing with such a cascade of events seen inNS, it would be useful to treat NS at the source of the problem, i.e.,normalize the filtration selectivity in the kidney.

The primary cause of NS is primary glomerular disease (IdiopathicNephrotic Syndrome). Primary glomerular disease is further classifiedinto four main types: Minimal Change Disease (lipoid nephorosis, nillesion, foot process disease); Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis(focal sclerosis); Membranous Glomerulopathy; and ProliferativeGlomerulonephritis (Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis, CresenticGlomerulonephritis, "Pure" Mesangial Proliferative Glomerulonephritis,Focal and Segmental Proliferative Glomerulonephritis).

There are many conditions and diseases which cause NS in a secondarymanner. These conditions and diseases inflict damage to the kidney whichcan be acute, repeated-acute, or chronic in nature: Infectious agents(Strepoococcal, infectious endocarditis, secondary syphilis, sepsis,leprosy, hepatitis B, mononucleosis, malaria, schistosomiasis,pneumoccal, mycoplasma, staphylococcal, and filariasis); Drug Toxicity(heroin abuse, probenicid, tridione, contrast media, anti-venoms andtoxins, arthritis drugs-gold and penicillamine); Neoplastic Diseases(Hodgkin's, lymphomas, leukemias, carcinomas, melanoma, Wilm's tumor);Environmental toxins (natural or unnatural, such as mercury); orMultisystem Diseases (SLE, Schonlein-Henoch purpura, vasculitis,Goodpasture's Syndrome, dermatomyositis, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis,rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's Syndrome); Heredofamilial Diseases(diabetes mellitus, Alport's Syndrome, sickle-cell, Farbry's Disease);Other Diseases (Berger's Syndrome, thyroiditis, myxedema, malignantobesity, renovascular hypertension, chronic allograft rejection, beestings).

The pathogenesis of each of the four major causes of NS are listedbelow. A central or contributing pathological event seen with most ofthese causes is an imperfect attempt to repair an injury which has leadto some type of non-functional properties of that repair or a loss ofcritical architecture.

1) Minimal Change Disease(MCD)

The pathogenesis and etiology of this disease is not known and cause ofinjury to the glomerular apparatus is not known. However, there is aprofound loss of architecture in foot processes of the epithelial cells(podocytes). It is not clear whether this particular cause of NS is dueto a repair fault or a failure in the function of the podocyte.Treatment of this disease often includes glucocorticoids,cylcophosphamide and chlorambucil, anti-proliferative andanti-inflammatory drugs, which are dangerous when used for prolongedperiods of time.

2) Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (Focal Sclerosis)

In this disease, one cause of injury is thought to be IgM complexdeposition and C3 (complement factor III, a possible inflammatorysubstance) involvement. The tissue response is, again as in MCD, a lossof architecture of the podocytes and hyalinization of the glomeruli, amalfunction in matrix production. There is no effective treatment forthis disease.

3) Membranous Glomerulopathy

In this disease, causes are known to be: IgG deposition, some infectiousagents, tumors, heavy metals, or certain drugs. The resulting injuryleads to discontinuous proteinaceous deposits on the subepithial aspectof the glomerular capillary wall, increased amounts and thickening ofthe basement membrane, all matrix defects. Treatment of this disease islimited to the use of glucocorticoids and this treatment iscontroversial as to its effectiveness.

4) Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis

This group of diseases has a common pathology of proliferation ofmesangial cells and an increased synthesis of matrix. This responseleads to the destruction of critical architecture and membraneselectivity and function. The cause of injury is due at least in part toIg deposition. Treatment for this disease with glucocortocoid steroidsmay delay the progression of the disease, but is not satisfactory.Kidney transplants are also used to treat the disease; however, theprognosis is poor.

B. ACUTE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS (AGN)

AGN is characterized by rapid onset of proteinuria, hematuria, azotemia(insufficency of glomerular filteration rate), and salt and waterretention. The major pathological sequelae induced by AGN are edema,circulatory congestion, and arterial diastolic hypertension. Thesepathologies can lead to failure of the lungs and cadiovascular system.As the name implies, this condition is acute in nature and often quicklyis resolved without extensive intervention; however, it can be mostserious and lead to NS or chronic nephritis. The causes of AGN can be:infectious diseases- poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, endocarditis,sepsis, pneumococcal pneumonia, typhoid fever, secondary syphilis,meningococcemia, hepatitis B, mononucleosis, mumps, measles, vaccinia,echovirus, and coxsackievirus; multisystem disease- SLE, vasculitis,Schonlein-Henoch purpura, Goodpasture's syndrome; primary glomerulardisease; and other sources such as serum sickness.

The pathogenesis of AGN is somewhat different from NS and poorlyunderstood; however, it often has lesions and similarities which suggestan imperfect response to an injury has occurred as seen in NS.Currently, the treatment of AGN with glucocorticoids is of questionablebenefit. It would seem reasonable that a therapy for NS would be of usein some aspects of AGN.

C. RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS (RPGN)

RPGN is similar to AGN with the exception that it rapidly leads to renalfailure in a matter of weeks or months. The resulting sequelae aresimilar to those in AGN. The pathogenesis clearly shows extensive extracapillary cellular proliferation and destruction of architecture with"crescent" formation. Additionally, there is fibrin polymerization andfocal discontinuities in the glomerular basement membranes. Treatment issupportive and insufficient. Agents which normalize epithelialproliferation and matrix production would be useful in this condition.

D. CHRONIC GLOMERULONEPHRITIS (CGN)

As the name suggests, this condition is characterized by persistentabnormalities and slow progressive loss of renal function. The mosttroublesome sequelae of CGN is hypertension and cardiovascular collapse.Cause of the disease is usually the protracted presence of NS. Itspathogenesis is marked by cellular proliferation, sclerosing, andmembrane and matrix abnormalities. Treatment is supportive andeffectiveness is unsatisfactory. An agent which would normalize cellularproliferation and membrane-matrix function would be useful to treat CGN.

II. PATHOLOGIES OF THE LIVER

Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious pathology which involves the attemptof liver tissue to repair damage inflicted on it. Cirrhosis is often theend stage of many diseases which effect the liver and leads to hepaticinsufficiency and failure. Cirrhosis, like nephrotic syndrome, shows thehallmarks of imperfect repair processes involving matrix, proliferativecellular, and architectual faults. Also, in many cases, an inappropriateinflammatory response is seen at the repair site, which can lead tofurther damage.

Cirrhosis, a general term, includes all forms of chronic diffuse liverdiseases characterized by loss of hepatocytes, disorganization andfibrosis of the retculin network, disorganization of the vascular bed,and disorganization of the regenerating hepatocytes into nodules in thefibrous matrix. The precipitating event (damage) in cirrhosis is usuallydiffuse cell death from a number of causes listed below. Themorphological changes induced by the attempt to repair this damage arewide spread and have serious consequences. For example, loss offunctional hepatocytes leads to the sydrome of hepatic insufficiency-jaundice, central nervous system dysfunction (hepatic encephalopathy,coma), edema and ascites, and cachexia. Disorganization and distortionof the vascular and lymphatic beds can lead to portal hepatichypertension and splenomegaly.

There are four major conditions recognized to precipitate the damageleading to cirrhosis of the liver:

1) Alcoholic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis

Alcoholic liver disease refers to a spectrum of liver injury and can beassociated with acute, repeated acute, chronic alcoholism. There arethree major components of this disease: fatty liver, alcoholichepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. All three may found in the samepatient and may be independent of each other. Alcoholic cirrhosis ischaracterized by scarring, loss of hepatocytes, and nodularregeneration. At sites of damage there can be found fibroblasts(connective tissue cells) and collagen matrix. Alcoholic cirrhosis hasalso been called Laennec's, micronodular, portal, or fatty cirrhosis.

Treatment of alcoholic cirrhosis is supportive to the induced sequelae.Treatment of the dysfunctional liver is insufficient, but includesabstainance from alcohol and glucocorticoids.

2) Postnecrotic Cirrhosis

Postnecrotic cirrhosis is the most common type of cirrhosis and ismarked by: extensive loss of hepatocytes, collapse of the stromal matrixand fibrosis producing large bands of connective tissue, and irregularnodules of regenerating cells, i.e., a condition of precipitating damageby cell death followed by a repair process which destroys the functionalmatrix and disorganizes architecture. Adding to the imperfect repair ofthe hepatic damage, there is often seen an inappropriate infilterationof imflammatory mononuclear cells which may cause further damage.Postnecrotic cirrhosis is also known in the art as toxic cirrhosis,coarsely nodular cirrhosis, posthepatic cirrhosis, cryptogeniccirrhosis, and multilobular cirrhosis.

The etiology of postnecrotic cirrhosis is not well understood; however,there is serologic evidence that viral hepatitis may be a commonantecedent, especially Hepatitis B and non A-non B Hepatitis. Otherpathologies leading to postnecrotic cirrhosis are: chemical toxins,e.g., phosphorous; toxins, e.g., Amantia phalloides; infections, e.g.,brucellosis; parasitic infections, e.g., clonorchiasis; and advancedalcoholic liver disease. Additionally, patients with chronic activehepatitis (stemming from viral infection) may progress to postnecroticcirrhosis.

Major sequelae of postnecrotic cirrhosis are similar to other types ofcirrhosis, especially jaundice, ascites, abdomimal pain, hepaticencephalopathy, and portal hypertension. Treatment is supportive andtreatment for underlying damage-repair pathology is not available.

3. Biliary Cirrhosis

The pathogensis and morphology is similar to postnecrotic cirrhosis,only the major lesions effect the bile ducts to a greater degree. Theetiology of this condition is not known; however, since it is a diseaseof middle-aged women, there is a strong possiblity that it has anendocrine component.

Due to the blockage of the bile ducts and subsequent accumulation ofbile products, the major sequelae are markedly different from otherforms of cirrhosis. Often seen are: dark urine, itching of the skin,xanthelasmas of the joints and skin, hyperpigmentation, hyperlipidemiaand malabsorption of lipid soluble vitamins. The malabsorption ofvitamins A, K and D lead to osteomalacia, diarrhea, and purpura. Deathis often caused by variceal hemorage, hepatic insufficiency, infection,and surgical attempts to open the bile ducts.

Treatment is either supportive or surgical proceedure, and there is notreatment for the underlying liver pathology.

4) Cardiac Cirrhosis

Cardiac cirrhosis is caused by chronic, severe right-sided congestiveheart failure. This circulation failure precipitates hepatocyte necrosisand triggers the cirrhotic cascade. The only available treatment forcardiac cirrhosis is to correct the cardiac failure, if possible.

III. PATHOLOGIES OF THE CARDIO-VASCULAR SYSTEM

Arteriosclerosis is a general term for the thickening and hardening ofthe arterial wall. Atherosclerosis is a patchy nodular type ofarteriosclerosis. The thickening of the arterial wall through thedevelopment of atherosclerotic plaque leads initially to restrictedblood flow. A fissure or crack in this plaque initiates the developmentof a thrombus or clot which leads to tissue ischemia. If unresolved, thethrombus could lead to tissue and organ failure and possibly death.Examples of arterial thrombotic events include stroke, myocardialinfarction and peripheral vascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is theunderlying basis for cardiovascular disease being the leading cause ofdeath and morbidity in the United States.

There are three types of lesions found in the arteries which areassociated with atherosclerosis: fatty streaks, fibrous plaques, andcomplicated plaques. Fatty streaks occur early in life and consist of anaccumulation of lipid filled macrophages (foam cells) and accumulatedfibrous tissue on the intima. In general, these fatty streaks appear notto be particularly dangerous in themselves; however, they may becontributary to the formation of fibrous plaques. Fibrous plaques areraised lesions on the intima. These plaques consist of a central core ofextracellular lipid and necrotic cell debris and covered with anoverlayment of smooth muscle cells and collagen rich extracellularmatrix. This makes the fibrous plaque foci, a place of constricted bloodflow in the artery. The fibrous plaque is characteristic of advancingatherosclerotic disease. The complicated plaque is a calcified fibrousplaque and is an area of thrombosis, necrosis, and ulceration. Thisplaque can be the site of exclusive thrombosis which constricts theblood flow and cause stenosis and organ insufficiency. The site of acomplicated plaque can also be an area of weakened arterial wall whichcan fail causing an anerurysm or hemorrhage.

One theory on the development of atherosclerosis is termed the "responseto injury" hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, the vascularendothelial cells lining the artery are exposed to acute, repeated acuteor chronic injury leading to endothelial cell dysfunction and in somecases cellular death, exposing the underlying medial and connectivetissue beds. This break in the continuous system of endothelium canelicit platelet adhesion and aggregation with the formation ofmicrothrombi. These events can cause the release of factors which canstimulate cellular proliferation, cellular migration and the productionof extracellular matrix compounds all of which can contribute to anabnormal repair process. Although this repair corrects the immediatebreak in the system, repeated insults over a long period of time canlead to the development of atherosclerotic plaque at the site providingan example of imperfect, ineffective or inappropriate repair of a tissuein response to an initiating injury.

There are many risk factors which contribute to this atherogenicresponse, which include: hyperlipidemia (hypercholesterolemea andtriglyceridemia), hypertension, cigarette smoking, hyperglycemia anddiabetes mellitus, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and familyhistory of cardiovascular diseases. The current treatment ofatherosclerotic disease is limited to cholesterol and triglyceridelowering drugs to modulate hyperlipidemia as well as many therapiesdesigned to address thrombosis associated with atherosclerosis (i.e.aspirin). Lifestyle changes to eliminate contributing risk factors forvascular injury are also prescribed. There are no current therapieswhich address the defective repair process.

IV. PATHOLOGIES OF THE LUNG

The general term "infiltrative" means the diffusion into andaccumulation in a tissue of those substances which are either foreign toit or endogenous substances which inhibit normal function. For example,infections (bacterial pneumonias) elicit immune or inflammatory cellsinto the interalveolar space or the invasive spread of neoplastic cellsinto the lung, these are foreign cells to the normal lung structure. Inother cases endogenous substances such as hyaline membrane, fibrousmatrix, and proliferation of normal alveolar and bronchial epithelialcells accumulate in the intraalvveolar space leading to a dysfunctionalfoci in the lung.

In most cases, the lung is able to repair itself without lastingdetrimental sequelae; however, if the injury is repeated acute orchronic in nature, the progressive number of non-functioning lesions(imperfect, ineffective, or inappropriate repair) begins to affect aninsufficiency in pulmonary function. The pathogensis in this disease isvery similar to the pathogenesis described for the liver, kidneys andvascular wall. As in the case of liver and kidney, the primary tissuewhich responds to the damage is the epithelium. The response of theepithelium is to quickly repair the damage to the alveolar-capillaryinterface with the production of fibrous matrix (collagen and hyalinemembrane) and hyperplastic expansion of cells. This new structure, whilerestoring the barrier between the air (alveolar) and circulatory(capillary) spaces, is not able to selectively mediate the exchange ofgases with the same effectivenes as the normal tissue.

The major sequelae of the accumulated loss and insufficiency of the lungis hypoxia of critical organs and their failure.

The initiating or antecedent pathologies of diffuse infiltrative lungdisease are numerous and are listed in abrieviated form: Infections suchas viral (influenza, CMV, etc.) bacterial (mycoplasma, streptococcal,staphylococcal, etc.) parasitic (schistosomiasis, Pneumocstis carinii,filariasis, etc.) fungal (histoplasmosis, candidis, etc.); Occupationalcauses such as mineral dusts and chemical fumes; Neoplasms; Congenitaland familial pathologies such as cystic fibrosis; Metabolic diseasessuch as uremic pneumonitis and hypercalcemia; Physical trauma;Circulatory diseases such as thromboembolic and pulmonary edema;Immunological diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonia; and Collagendiseases such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, etc.

Treatment of diffuse infiltrative lung disease is supportive treatmentof the induced hypoxic complications and treatment of the initiatingdiseases. The treatment of the faulty repair process itself is mostlyconfined to the administration of corticosteroids, which in many casesare only partially effective and care must be taken not to induced theundersirable effects of the steroids.

V. PATHOLOGIES CAUSED BY THE REPAIR RESPONSE TO INFLAMMATORY DAMAGE

Inflammation is an important and beneficial response by the body todestroy invading pathogens (via the immune system) and scavenge dead ornon-functional tissues or debris from the body. However, in somecircumstances, this system becomes uncontrolled and the inflammatoryprocess damages normal tissue. This damage can lead to an imperfectrepair response. Often, this faulty repair response further initiatesthe inflammation and a vicious cycle is established leading to greaterand greater dysfunction. Several examples of this chronic destructivecycle have been illustrated above. Further examples of instances whereinflammatory initiated disease elicits imperfect repair response are:muscular dystrophies, scleroderma, and Crohn's Disease of the colon.

Raloxifene and selected analogs are useful in treating the imperfectrepair of tissue and organs damaged by inflammation and is also asubject of this invention.

ASSAYS

Assay I

Between three and twenty patients suffering from diseases which arecausing increasing symptoms of nephrotic syndrome are selected forclinical evaluation. The selection criterion for these patients are 1)preferably post-menopausal women, 2) patients suffering from diseaseswhich often include the induction of nephrotic syndrome as part of thedisease pathology, e.g., diabetes mellitus, hepatitis B, Sjogren'spatients taking gold for rheumatoid arthritis, etc., 3) patientsexhibiting a progressive increase in proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia,hyperlipidemia and edema. These patients are put on a protocol of 50-600mg of a compound of formula I given by oral administration as a dailysingle or split dose. These patients continue this protocol for up totwelve months and at appropriate intervals, are evaluated as to thestatus of the progression of their proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia,hyperlipidemia or edema. A positive impact in this assay would be theslowing or reversing of the progression of these parameters.

Assay II

Between three and fifty patients suffering from diseases known to inducenephrotic syndrome or taking medications known to produce nephroticsyndrome are selected. The selection criterion for these patients is 1)preferably post-menopausal women, and 2) patients, which at the time ofentry into the clinical trial, do not as yet demonstrate signs ofnephrotic syndrome. Such patients might be women, 45-55 years of age,suffering from diabetes mellitus, but as yet show no signs of diabeticcomplications involving kidney function. Half of these patients aregiven a placebo. The other half are enrolled in a regiment of 50-600 mgof a compound of formula 1 given by oral administration per day as asingle or split dose. This protocol continues for 1-5 years. A positiveimpact in this assay would be that, at the end of the trial period, thedrug treated group will have fewer cases of pathologies associated withnephrotic syndrome, e.g., hyperlipidemia, proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia,or edema.

Assay III

Puromycin aminonucleoside (PA) nephrosis in the rat is a well-definedmodel of renal injury/repair ("Toxicology of the Kidney", ed. by J. B.Hook and R. S. Goldstein, Raven Press Ltd., New York, 1993). PA inducesa nephrotic syndrome with selective proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, andhigh plasma cholesterol. During the early stages of disease, glomerularfiltration rate is also depressed. The model shares many clinical andmorphological findings with human minimal change glomerulopathy andfocal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Extracellular matrix (ECM)synthesis, deposition and organization are prominent in thisinjury/repair model and studies are initiated to probe this modelspossible utility for identifying agents which can positively effecttissue repair.

PA (6-dimethylaminopurine, 3-amino-d-ribose) is a purine antagonist withantibiotic activity. The drug inhibits protein synthesis by acting onthe RNA synthesis at the level of the ribosome. In this model,proteinuria starts at 5 to 7 days after a single intravenous injectionof 50 to 100 mg PA/kg body weight. The proteinuria reaches peak valuesaveraging 300-900 mg/24 hr after 8 to 12 days, and dissipates within 3weeks. Histological examination can detect moderate swelling of theglomerular visceral epithelial cells. When proteinuria ensues, thesechanges are accompanied by focal loss of covering epithelium outside theglomerular basement membrane.

Several investigators (Diamond et al., Kidney Intl., 33:917 (1988)) havespeculated that certain histological features of focal and segmentalglomerulonephrosis (FSGS) also resemble the lesion of atherosclerosisand may indicate a similar pathogenesis. In atherogenesis, the arterialintimal tissue thickens and is composed of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC), elastic and collagen fibers, and glycosaminoglycans lyingbeneath the endothelium. These thickened intimal regions containisolated macrophage foam cells, and eventually, lipid-filled VSMC, andfinally foci of necrosis appear. The similarities of FSCG includes;mesangial expansion with mesangial cell (MC) proliferation, mesangialfoam cell accumulation, deposits of amorphous debris, necrosis oftissue, and eventual sclerosis. Glomerular MC and VSMC are closelyrelated in terms of origin, microscopic anatomy, histochemistry, andcontractility.

Acute 14 Day Renal Injury Model:

Ovariectomized female Sprague Dawley rats are used, 200 to 250 gms. Theanimals are housed in metabolic cages for the duration of the experimentwith collection of the urine every 24 hours for the measurement of totalurinary protein concentration and renal excretion volume.

The rats are initialy anesthetized with ketamine/Rompun [Xylazine] (0.2ml of a 1:2 mixture, i.m.) and are given an iv. injection of puromycinaminonucleoside (PA), [75 mg/kg, Sigma lot#90H4034] administered in 2.9ml of saline over a 5 minute period in the tail vein using a HARVARDcompact infusion pump equipped with a 5 ml syringe at a pump setting of9 (approx. 2.9 ml/5 min.). The animals are dosed P.O. beginning DAY 0 toDAY 13 with a compound of formula 1 or 17 a-Ethynylestradiol (Sigma,E-4876, lot#112H0765) in 20% cyclodextrin.

Urine Protein Assay:

Urine volumes from each rat are recorded daily and a 1 ml. sample iscollected and frozen. The Pierce BCA protein assay is selected todetermine the protein concentration of the urine. This method is highlysensitive for the spectrophotemetric determination of proteinconcentration. A standard curve is prepared by diluting a BSA standardsolution (1 mg/ml, Pierce) with Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline(D-PBS) (Gibco). Using a multichannel piper, the standard is diluted 1:2down a Falcon 3911 Micro Test III flexible 96 well assay plate induplicate wells, ending in a final concentration of 7.81 ug/ml.

Urine samples are thawed and a starting dilution of 1:5 is made in theFalcon plates using D-PBS. Samples are set-up in duplicate wells andresuspended 1:2 down the plate. Seven dilutions are made ending in afinal dilution of 1:320. 10 ul of each diluted sample is removed fromthe Falcon microtiter plate using a multi-channel pipetter and added toa Immulon 2 flat bottom plate for developing and reading purposes.

A protein working reagent is prepared by combining 50 parts of BCAreagent A with 1 part of BCA reagent B (provided in the Pierce AssayKit). 200 ul of working reagent is added to each well of the Immulonplate. The plates are covered and wrapped in aluminum foil and incubatedat 60° C. for 30 minutes.

The plates are read on a Bio-Tek microplate autoreader interfaced with aMacintosh SE/30 personal computer at an absorbance of 570 nm. Data isobtained and calculated using the Delta Soft Elisa Analysis version 2.9Bsoftware provided by Bio-Tek Instruments.

Histology--GN Scores:

On day 14, the animals are bled from the orbital sinus, sacrificed byCO₂ administration and the kidneys are removed, and processed forhistological analysis. After 24 hour fixation, the kidneys are processedand embedded in paraffin. Cross-sections of each kidney (aprox. 3u) arecut, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and 30 glomeruli/rat are scoredaccording to the following criteria: (1+) <25% of the glomerulusaffected; minimal damage; little or no matrix expansion. (2+) 25-50%affected; moderate damage; substantial increase or decrease incellularity; capsule/tuft adhesions may be present; some capillarylumina collapse; thickened basement membranes; protein droplets may befound in the capsule. (3+) 51-75% affected; substantial damage; furtherincrease in mesangial matrix; sclerosis; extensive collapse of capillarylumina with trapping of amorphous material. (4+) 76-100% affected;severe destruction; in most cases the glomerulus appears non-functionalor necrotic; extensive sclerosis or lysis.

Crescent formation (defined as four or more contiguous epithelial cellsof bowman's capsule) increases the score by 1+. A total score per kidneyis determined by multiplying the degree of damage (1+ to 4+) by thepercentage of the glomeruli with the same degree of injury, and thenadding these scores together. The final GN score is obtained by theaddition of the two kidney scores.

PCNA immunohistochemisty and proliferating cell index (PCI)

Identification of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positiveproliferating cells is performed using a monoclonal mouse anti-PCNAantibody (Chemicon, #MAB424) and a biotin-streptavidin-horseradishperoxidase labeling system (KPL#710018) with diaminobenzidine as achromogen. The PCI is determined by counting the number of positivecells/glomerulus in each of 30 glomeruli per kidney and then calculatingthe mean PCI/rat. No distinction is made between mesangial, endothelialor epithelial proliferating cell types.

Activity of compounds of formula 1 is illustrated by the amelioration ofkidney damage or an indication of such, as determined above.

We claim:
 1. A method of inhibiting imperfect tissue repair comprisingadministering to a human in need thereof an effective amount of acompound having the formula ##STR5## wherein R¹ and R³ are independentlyhydrogen, --CH₃, ##STR6## wherein Ar is optionally substituted phenyl;R² is piperidino; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of solvatethereof.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound is thehydrochloride salt thereof.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein saidadministration is prophylactic.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein saidcompound is ##STR7## or its hydrochloride salt.
 5. The method of claim 1wherein said tissue is kidney, pulmonary tract, liver or vasculaturetissue.